Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts Announces the Relaunch of Ontario’s Commercial Theatre Development Fund (CTDF)
The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT), is proud to announce the official relaunch of the Commercial Theatre Development Fund (CTDF) — a strategic funding initiative to boost Ontario’s independent commercial theatre sector, with a renewed focus on workshop development for original Canadian works.
First launched in 1988, the CTDF supported small to mid-sized commercial theatre productions across Ontario, with a strong emphasis on Canadian content. Past funded projects include the Overcoat (2004), Aladdin the Magical Family Musical (2006) and His Greatness (2011). Now, for the first time in more than two decades, the CTDF is being revived and reimagined to meet the needs of today’s creators and producers.
Under the newly relaunched fund, CTDF will provide cash support for the execution of Commercial Theatre Workshops — helping Ontario-based producers develop mid-sized to large-scale commercial theatre works that demonstrate a strong potential for commercial presentation within the province.
“The relaunch of the CTDF reflects our deep commitment to growing Ontario’s commercial theatre ecology by supporting its creative development pipeline,” [annemieke wade, Executive Director, TAPA]. “We’re particularly excited to encourage and invest in original Canadian theatre that has the potential to succeed both artistically and commercially.” [Colin Rivers, Chair of the TAPA Commercial Theatre Committee].
Key Program Features:
- Funding of up to $25,000 per Workshop, not exceeding 50% of the total budget.
- Project Workshops must run for a minimum of one full equity work week.
- Commitment to Ontario-based Producers
- Commitment to engaging 50%+ Ontario-resident theatre artists.
- Applications are assessed on commercial potential, original Canadian content, and a commitment to development within Ontario, both in and outside of Toronto.
- Remaining CTDF balance is finite and there is no plan to renew the fund – it is projected that the remaining balance will support 6-8 projects over the next 2 years.
Incentive Bonuses Available:
Workshops may qualify for additional support:
- Investor Presentation Bonus: +10% (up to $2,500) if at least 15 potential investors attend a culminating presentation.
- Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres Bonus: +10% (up to $2,500) and 40% discount on studio rentals (max 4 weeks), if rehearsals are held in OHT studios.
- Recording Bonus: +10% (up to $2,500) and 40% discount on studio rentals if recording tracks at B Street Recording Studio.
Virtual Information Session
Monday Nov 10th from 4:00pm-5:00pm
How to Apply:
Eligible producers are invited to review the detailed Applicant/Project Criteria and submit their application online through the CTDF portal by Friday, December 12, 2025 at 5:00pm EST.
Successful Applicants will be notified by January 30, 2026.
Only one application per producer may be submitted per cycle.
There will be two intake cycles annually, with a maximum of two successful applications per cycle.
For full details and to apply, please visit: https://tapa.ca/programs/funding/ctdf/
Media Contact:
Scott Dermody (he/him)
Program Manager
Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA)
📧 scottd@tapa.ca | 🌐 www.tapa.ca | ☎ 416-536-6468 x2
About TAPA:
The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts represents professional theatre, dance, and opera companies in Toronto. TAPA plays a vital leadership role in strengthening and promoting the performing arts ecology in Ontario through programs, advocacy, and support initiatives.